It's always kind of fun trying out a game by an independent developer.

This is not to say that large companies can't make great games. Most of the best games come from big-name brands.

But whereas I know a lot about EA, Ubisoft and Nintendo, I barely know ACE Team, the Chilean developer behind the subject of today's review, "Abyss Odyssey." I like going into games with no expectations and little knowledge; you're more likely to walk away satisfied.

"Abyss Odyssey," a side-scrolling action adventure title, is fulfilling in some aspects but lacking in others.

The positives

• Levels always change. Once your character is equipped with weapons and armor, you enter the hellish Abyss, where levels grow more difficult with each descent. Each level is filled with demonic creatures, traps, fire pits, treasure chests and even a skeleton street performer who will provide advice for 100 gold pieces (nice touch). Don't bother memorizing the levels. The most dynamic part of the game — and also the deadliest part — is that the level resets if you leave the Abyss. If you lose, i.e. get a game over, you return to the surface, and that means facing an entirely new Abyss.

• Smart enemies. The Abyss has the usual small fry like spiders and birds, which are easy to dispatch. You need to worry about the likes of skeletons, ghouls, rock golems, bulls and aardvark men (or whatever they are supposed to be). These guys love to ambush your character and, since this is a side-scrolling game, it's difficult to detect danger ahead.

• Atmosphere. The Abyss truly feels like the passage to Hell, with its dark scenery, eerie music and diabolical creatures. I especially like the giant bull with the red eyes, because angry bulls are scary enough, but add in demonic powers and they are nightmarish.

There really is no such thing as death in “Abyss Odyssey,” as your character revives in this area. However, losing means having to re-enter the Abyss — and possibly losing progress, depending on if you set a checkpoint.
(Photo:
Screenshot by Heather Stanek/Action Reporter Media
)

The negatives

• Not enough graphical contrast. ACE Team made this game with a highly artistic edge in the graphics, according to the game's info. There's one problem with that style: It's difficult to tell which objects are part of the background and which ones you can touch or collect. I spent several seconds trying to grab a vessel because it looked so much like a healing potion, but it turned out to be a decorative pot. This style can work if it's done well. In "Valiant Hearts," for example, the interactive objects are highlighted or prominent, depending on the type of item and the situation.

• Minimal story. Perhaps the story is better in the full game, but there wasn't much happening during my trial run. You could sum it up as mysterious woman shows up, helps army fight, jumps down Abyss, fights again, rinse, repeat. There's a possibly intriguing plot here: A powerful warlock has fallen into a deep sleep, and his magic is so great that even his nightmares generate beasts, ghosts and the undead. Our heroine, Katrien, is one such manifestation. She wants to slay the warlock, for some unknown reason. You can also play as two other characters and possess creatures' bodies, but these options were not unlocked in the demo.

Stopping to talk to the musician — and pay him for his advice — may result in some rewards. He’s one of several friendly characters in “Abyss Odyssey.”
(Photo:
Screenshot by Heather Stanek/Action Reporter Media
)

• Text is too small. Maybe this isn't a problem if you have a 50-inch TV, but it was difficult to read some of the menu copy. I really had to squint to read the journal entries, which provide insight into the story (there's that almost-but-not-quite plot again).

Verdict

This is definitely a try-before-you-buy game. Those who like fighting games or side-scrollers may want to give it a shot. But if you are like me and prefer a bit more story and character development from the start (it's possible even in a demo), "Abyss Odyssey" may not hold your attention.

Heather Stanek is the digital desk editor for The Reporter. To share your comments or request that she review a certain game, contact her at (920) 907-7909 or hstanek@fdlreporter.com, or follow on Twitter: @HeatherStanek1.

Choosing the right skill for the area can mean life or death in “Abyss Odyssey.”
(Photo:
Screenshot by Heather Stanek/Action Reporter Media
)

'Abyss Odyssey' info

• Systems: Digital download for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC

• Release: Available now.

• Rating: T for teens and older players due to partial nudity and violence.